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Community Roundup: March 25, 2026

▸ This article was created with AI assistance

AI Model: Claude Opus 4 by Anthropic

Sources:

AI-generated content may contain errors. Community members are encouraged to verify important details independently.

Report an Error · info@ifalls.news

A free community presentation on substance use prevention is coming to International Falls, the Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala is just weeks away, and a proposed state bill to ban snowmobiles and ATVs on state forest land has the local snowmobile community sounding the alarm — all as the Falls shakes off a chance of freezing rain this morning.

Weather — A chance of freezing rain early this morning gives way to partly sunny skies with a high near 47°F. Tonight brings a slight chance of snow with lows around 21°F. Thursday will be cooler and breezy — partly sunny with a high of just 28°F and northwest wind gusts up to 25 mph. Full forecast →
What’s Happening Today

  • • Pickleball (all day) — Backus Community Center
  • • Veterans Lodge Bridge (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) — Backus Community Center
  • • Veterans Lodge Open Hours (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) — Veterans Lodge
  • • Journey North: A Talk with Wilderness Explorer John Dunn (12 p.m. – 1 p.m.) — Ontario
  • • Elementary Fun (2:30 – 3:30 p.m.) — International Falls Public Library
  • • ISD 361 Ice Cream & Book Fair (this evening) — see Schools & Education below

Full calendar →


Community Events & Activities

The International Falls Police Department is hosting a free community presentation featuring Tony Hoffman, a nationally recognized speaker, former BMX Elite Pro, Olympic coach, and advocate for substance use prevention and mental health awareness. Tony’s story of overcoming addiction, homelessness, and incarceration is one of transformation and purpose — and the event is open to everyone ages 12 and up.

Parents, grandparents, youth, educators, healthcare workers, law enforcement, faith organizations, local leaders, and anyone who cares about the wellbeing of our community’s young people are encouraged to attend. Registration is requested to help organizers prepare.

Tony Hoffman community presentation flyer on substance use prevention and mental health
Free community presentation featuring Tony Hoffman on substance use prevention — International Falls Police Department

International Falls Police Department

The International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala is set for April 23. It’s a night to celebrate the businesses, organizations, and individuals who make our community shine. Spots are limited — purchase tickets online, email JJ at jj@intlfalls.org, or stop by the Chamber office.

International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala flyer for April 23
Chamber Awards Gala set for April 23 — International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce

IF Area Chamber of Commerce

KOOTASCA Community Action is offering a Home Stretch virtual homebuyer education workshop this Thursday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The course, taught by experienced local professionals, provides tools for achieving successful homeownership. Cost is $40 per household.

To sign up, call Sandy O’Fallon at (218) 999-0828 or visit kootasca.org.

KOOTASCA Community Action


Schools & Education

ISD 361 is hosting an ice cream and book fair event this Wednesday evening. Families are invited to come enjoy a sweet treat and browse the book fair — a great midweek outing for students and parents alike.

ISD 361

Students from the ISD 361 ALC (Alternative Learning Center) recently visited Faith United Church, UCC for a hands-on cooking collaboration. The students made quiche from scratch — including the pie crust — while church members greeted them and shared social time.

“We had a great time welcoming students from the ALC back to our kitchen.”

ISD 361

Attention, 2026 seniors: The North Star Electric Knowledge Scholarship offers up to $1,000 for your future education. You don’t need to be an honor student — just take a short test for a chance to win. A parent or guardian must be a North Star Electric member.

  • Sign-up deadline: Wednesday, April 8
  • Study guide pick-up: April 9 at 11 a.m. — Counselor’s Office
  • Test date: April 15 at 1 p.m. (about 20 minutes)
  • Contact: nrolando@isd361.org or the Counselor’s Office
North Star Electric Knowledge Scholarship announcement for 2026 seniors
North Star Electric Knowledge Scholarship — up to $1,000 for 2026 seniors — ISD 361

ISD 361

Meeting minutes from the ISD 361 Regular School Board Meeting held on March 16 are now available online. You can view them on the BoardBook website.

ISD 361 BoardBook


Sports

The International Falls Broncos track and field teams competed at Bemidji State University, with results now posted for both the boys and girls squads. Check the links below for full results from the meet.

IF Broncos (Girls Results) IF Broncos (Boys Results)


Health & Wellness

Rainy Lake Medical Center celebrated Christine Bethune, RN, as the March YETII (You Exemplify The Icebox Initiative) Winner. The monthly award recognizes employees nominated by their peers who embody the values of integrity, respect, compassion, and excellence through teamwork.

Christine’s nomination highlighted her strengths in problem-solving under pressure, leveraging relationships, and going above and beyond for coworkers and patients.

Christine Bethune RN receiving YETII award at Rainy Lake Medical Center with Bill Minion, Marygaye Tate, and Robb Pastor
From left: Bill Minion, Marygaye Tate, Christine Bethune, and Robb Pastor — Rainy Lake Medical Center

Rainy Lake Medical Center


Government & Public Services

The International Voyageurs Snowmobile Club is raising the alarm about Senate File 1245, a bill that would ban snowmobile and ATV use on all state forest land statewide. According to the club, the bill — introduced by State Senator Foung Hawj — would require the DNR to investigate closing all existing trail and road paths, ban new trails and extensions, prohibit trails within 200 feet of water, and allow citizen petitions to force trail closure investigations.

The club warns the legislation could have devastating impacts on northern Minnesota’s recreation economy, noting that Minnesota is home to both Arctic Cat and Polaris manufacturers. The bill is moving toward testimony and a vote.

Int’l Voyageurs Snowmobile Club

The Koochiching Technology Initiative shared an article about evolving discussions around data centers in Minnesota, asking the community to weigh in on the topic. Data center development has been a growing conversation statewide, with implications for energy use, jobs, and local infrastructure.

Koochiching Technology Initiative


Business Happenings

Congratulations are in order at Border Chevrolet GMC, where office manager Beth Gable is celebrating 40 years of service. The dealership describes Beth as a permanent fixture whose knowledge, experience, and wisdom make the team better every day. Stop by the dealership for a piece of cake to help celebrate this impressive milestone!

Beth Gable celebrating 40 years of service at Border Chevrolet GMC
Beth Gable celebrates 40 years at Border Chevrolet GMC — Border Chevrolet GMC

Border Chevrolet GMC

Ronnings is declaring itself the Easter Bunny headquarters this season. Stop in for Easter candy, treats, and stuffers for all ages — a one-stop shop for filling those baskets.

Ronnings

Spring is blooming at Pick Me Flowers, where a fresh box of Minnesota-grown tulips just arrived. Grab a 10-stem bunch for $15 while they last.

Fresh Minnesota-grown tulips available at Pick Me Flowers
Fresh tulips are in at Pick Me Flowers — $15 for a 10-stem bunch — Pick Me Flowers

Pick Me Flowers

Congratulations to the Border Bob’s $50 gift certificate winners from this past weekend:

  • Shawn Mason
  • Meredith Kittelson
  • Judy Olson

Thank you to everyone who shopped local this weekend!

Border Bob’s

Tilson Bay Company is gearing up for summer ball season and ready to outfit local teams with custom jerseys, hats, hoodies, and fan wear — no setup fees or artwork charges. Message them to get started on your team’s gear.

Tilson Bay Company

Small Town Tech has a timely #TechTipTuesday: spring clean your computer. Head to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps on Windows and sort by size to find programs you haven’t opened in ages. Old software takes up disk space and can slow things down running in the background. One tip — if you don’t recognize something, Google it first before uninstalling.

Small Town Tech

Northland Sales & Service reminds folks that sleeper sofas are a great space-saving option for hosting overnight guests. Browse their selection at northlandifalls.com.

Northland Sales & Service


Recent Articles

Voyageurs buoy removal can start Oct. 5, KOOTASCA collects Halloween costumes through Oct. 19, and Servants of Shelter marks World Homeless Day Oct. 10.
Falls Elementary celebrated Homecoming, named September Students of the Month and Bronco Pride winners, and set Responsibility as the October focus.
A Freeze Warning covers Koochiching County from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, with temperatures as low as 28 expected, the National Weather Service says.
Voyageurs buoy removal begins as early as Oct. 5, a Freeze Warning runs through Oct. 5, and a Pink Out volleyball game honors Sarah Peterson Oct. 8.
The National Park Service announced October 2 that Jennifer Onufer, park manager at Lake Berryessa in California, will lead Voyageurs National Park.
Voyageurs National Park names Jennifer Onufer superintendent, the Community Cancer Walk is set for October 3, and the City Council meets October 5.

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